The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) recently hosted its annual State of Economic Development (SOED) event, where regional leaders gathered to explore a comprehensive vision for the economic future of Southern Nevada. The conference, held on October 12, 2023, outlined strategic initiatives aimed at diversifying the region’s economy, attracting new industries, and fostering long-term prosperity.
The sold-out event emphasized the importance of collaboration among business, government, and community leaders. Attendees included nationally recognized figures who shared insights on the evolving global economy. A key highlight was a fireside chat led by former U.S. Congressman Jon C. Porter, who moderated a discussion with Gerald E. Rosen, the retired Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Rosen, known for his role in mediating the historic City of Detroit bankruptcy, underscored the significance of partnership and consensus-building in addressing economic challenges.
“Communities succeed when leaders are willing to come together, set aside differences, and work toward a shared vision,” Rosen stated. His remarks resonated with the themes of the event, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Southern Nevada’s economic development efforts.
In addition to these discussions, the conference featured insights from Jason Hickey, President of Hickey & Associates. He addressed global site selection trends and the competitive factors influencing how regions attract talent and investment. “Our organization is fortunate to play a role in helping guide that planning process and support LVGEA as it charts a strong, collaborative path forward,” Hickey said. He noted that LVGEA’s strategic plan will serve as a framework for resource allocation, focus on key industries, and enhance coordination with regional partners over the next three years.
The SOED event was more than just an annual update; it provided an opportunity for Southern Nevada leaders to align on shared goals. LVGEA unveiled findings from its strategic planning process and released its 2025 Annual Report. This report highlights the organization’s progress in driving economic diversification and supporting new business investments across the region.
“Southern Nevada continues to prove that collaboration and strategic vision are powerful drivers of economic opportunity,” said Danielle Casey, President & CEO of LVGEA. She emphasized that the initiatives presented reflect a commitment to sustained growth and strengthening the region’s competitive edge.
The LVGEA also introduced new data resources and interactive tools aimed at helping stakeholders better understand regional economic trends. These tools are designed to inform decisions regarding investment, workforce development, and industry growth. Additionally, Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, shared successful outcomes from key small business support programs and highlighted future industry focus areas for Nevada.
By convening national experts and regional leaders, the 2026 State of Economic Development reinforced LVGEA’s role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. The event aimed to ensure that Southern Nevada remains competitive in attracting high-quality jobs, growing emerging industries, and building a resilient economy for the future.
